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Development of a very low-cost Interactive Graphical Tactile Display as advanced user interface for visually impaired (TACMON2)
Start date: Sep 1, 2012, End date: Feb 28, 2015 PROJECT  FINISHED 

The aim of TACMON2 is to develop an innovative technology for the low-cost realization of a large area Interactive Graphical Tactile Display as a computer periphery for visually impaired people, providing them a new dimension of access also to graphical oriented electronic information and to a wider range of PC applications. The proposed Graphical Tactile Display will consist of a fine matrix of tactile (haptic) accessible for the human touch sense, thus for visually impaired people. The concept of the cost reduction is the application of technologies, which allow the batch production of the actuator matrix on the surface without the need for individual assembly of actuators for each tactile dot.The TACMON2 technology is innovative in the combination of the applied technologies realizing an electrostatic pneumatic hybrid actuator system. A proof of concept has been successfully demonstrated based on silicon MEMS technology. The aim of the current project is a significant cost reduction by transferring the proofed concept from silicon base to LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics) based technology, as well as by developing a compact and integrated pneumatic support system realized in polymer technology.TACMON2 proposal intends to increase SME competitive advantage in the special needs sector by offering an innovative and cost-effective. There are 7.4 million visually impaired people in the European Union. High unemployment amongst the visually impaired is a serious social and economic problem for the EU. There is a need for effective assistive technology to facilitate employment of the visually impaired and for industry to better be able to meet anti-discrimination legislation, as well as to avoid the increasing exclusion from the increasingly visual/graphical oriented of information and communication technologies. The EU must quickly address the needs of sector SMEs that provide technological solutions for the disabled.
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